2011 Predictions: Remodeling Trends: Frugality, Comfort and Warmth

Frugality, comfort and warmth top homeowners’ priority lists in a National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) poll of top builders and developers for CBS Moneywatch. The poll found that while the economy has prevented most people from starting major renovation projects, many are taking care of the smaller jobs. We’ll handle the repairs that must be made (siding or leaky roofs) but hold off on the bigger stuff.

Here are some highlights.

1. We’ll remodel bathrooms. Dennis D. Gehman, president of Gehman Custom Remodeling, told CBS Moneywatch: 'Bathrooms are the hottest project; we think it's due to the economy.' Builders report that homeowners want those bathrooms to be Zen-like.

2. We’ll warm it up. Cold, minimalist décor is giving way to cozier, earth-toned design. (We’re all for that!)

Bathrooms will top remodeling lists in 2011 as homeowners desire warm, earthy and Zen-like bathrooms to retreat to. Photo By Michael Shopenn.

3. We’ll get outside. George Christiansen of Pequot Remodeling Corporation told CBS Moneywatch: 'It appears that people want to sit outside again and are staying at home more frequently.'

4. We’ll be more vigilant in hiring. 'Folks are finally getting the message that it is important to look closer at the companies they are considering for their project,” Darius Baker of D & J Kitchens and Baths told CBS Moneywatch. “They are asking the questions we have been telling them to ask for years.'

5. We’ll pay cash. Home-equity credit lines have dried up. Most of us will only renovate to the extent that we can afford it.

6. We’re tearing down walls. Contractors report that they’re removing interior walls and opening up the spaces in older houses to modernize them.

Outdoor spaces will grow in popularity as homeowners sit outside more often. Photo By Grey Crawford.

7. We’re going for the bronze. Metallic tones are trending warmer; bronze and distressed hardware will be big in the coming year.